As the oldest business organisation in Hong Kong with an unmatched 140-year presence, the HKGCC has witnessed Hong Kong's dramatic evolution from a quiet fishing village to a vibrant international finance and trade centre. The Chamber has played an active supporting role to our businesses in such evolution. I commend the HKGCC's untiring efforts in promoting the interests of the business community and its exemplary achievements.

Hong Kong will be facing new challenges and opportunities in future. We need to strengthen our position as an international financial and services centre by harnessing the latest developments in IT and capitalising on China's accession to the WTO. We also need to build on our traditional strengths, as well as upgrade our human capital and infrastructures. I am confident that the HKGCC will help our businesses rise to these challenges.